By Compiled by Andy Warren

on December 3, 2013 2:01 PM

The Texas Capitol is masked by drizzle and fog on the opening day of the 83rd Texas Legislature session, Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013, in Austin.

The Texas Capitol is masked by drizzle and fog on the opening day of the 83rd Texas Legislature session, Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013, in Austin.

Photo: Eric Gay, Associated Press

The Texas Capitol is masked by drizzle and fog on the opening day... Photo-4001282.75251 - Houston Chronicle

Image 2 of 29 |
Special sessions in a row

Immediately after the regular session ended on May 27, Gov. Rick Perry called lawmakers back into session through June 25. He called a second session that lasted July 1-30, and a final session for seven more days, adjourning Aug. 5. less

Immediately after the regular session ended on May 27, Gov. Rick Perry called lawmakers back into session through June 25. He called a second session that lasted July 1-30, and a final session for seven more ... more

California botanist Daniel Siebert is shown with a Salvia divinorum plant. That won't float in Texas. Perry signed House Bill 124 to outlaw the hallucinogenic plant. The garden-variety shrub is still allowed here. less

California botanist Daniel Siebert is shown with a Salvia divinorum plant. That won't float in Texas. Perry signed House Bill 124 to outlaw the hallucinogenic plant. The garden-variety shrub is still allowed ... more

Texas barbecue wouldn't be the same without these toppers. House Concurrent Resolution 115 designates the town of Mansfield as the Pickle Capital of Texas.

Texas barbecue wouldn't be the same without these toppers. House Concurrent Resolution 115 designates the town of Mansfield as the Pickle Capital of Texas.

Photo: Nick De La Torre, Houston Chronicle

Texas barbecue wouldn't be the same without these toppers.... Photo-5147155.75251 - Houston Chronicle

Image 10 of 29 |
Big wins for gun advocates

Texas House Republicans delivered several victories to gun-rights advocates this year, including putting more guns in schools and barring the feds from seizing firearms and ammo. Come and Take It Houston rallied at Houston City Hall in July. less

Texas House Republicans delivered several victories to gun-rights advocates this year, including putting more guns in schools and barring the feds from seizing firearms and ammo. Come and Take It Houston ... more

Texas House Speaker Joe Straus and Proposition 6 supporters have reason to celebrate after the constitutional amendment passed. Texas officials can dip into the "rainy day" fund for water projects across the state. less

Texas House Speaker Joe Straus and Proposition 6 supporters have reason to celebrate after the constitutional amendment passed. Texas officials can dip into the "rainy day" fund for water projects across the ... more

SCR 13 names the town of Canton as the Walking Capital of Texas. Given the community's First Monday Trade Days monthly flea market, it's no wonder. The massive yard sale dates back to the mid-19th century.

SCR 13 names the town of Canton as the Walking Capital of Texas. Given the community's First Monday Trade Days monthly flea market, it's no wonder. The massive yard sale dates back to the mid-19th century.

Photo: Renee Kientz, Houston Chronicle

SCR 13 names the town of Canton as the Walking Capital of Texas.... Photo-5548833.75251 - Houston Chronicle

Image 22 of 29 |
Claims to Christmas

Grapevine calls itself the "Christmas Capital of Texas" but Senate Concurrent Resolution 18 designates Bellville as the Official Small Town Christmas Event of Texas.

Grapevine calls itself the "Christmas Capital of Texas" but Senate Concurrent Resolution 18 designates Bellville as the Official Small Town Christmas Event of Texas.

House Public Education Committee chairman Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen, authored House Bill 5, which cuts the number of standardized tests required for graduation and creates a new school rating system.

House Public Education Committee chairman Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen, authored House Bill 5, which cuts the number of standardized tests required for graduation and creates a new school rating system.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 34 recognizes the citizens of West. Town officials and many lifelong residents desperately want to keep people from moving away, but they face a long fight ahead of them after the deadly fertilizer plant blast. less

Senate Concurrent Resolution 34 recognizes the citizens of West. Town officials and many lifelong residents desperately want to keep people from moving away, but they face a long fight ahead of them after the ... more